Sri lanka is a nation that is blessed with a rich dynastic and cultural heritage. Despite being a small island, Sri Lanka contains more heritage sites than countries three times her size, and although the Mulkirigala Rock temple is not one of the island’s many heritage sites, it is still a must see locale which bears immense historical and cultural significance, as well as being a highly lucrative and beautiful location to visit. In consideration of her beauty and historical value, Mulkirigala rock is affectionately referred to as Little Sigiriya.
Visiting Mulkirigala Rock Temple is one of the essential things to do in Galle Sri Lanka, and there are plenty of places to spend your stay should you seek to spend an extended period of time in one of the most beautiful areas on the island. Hotels and resorts are aplenty in the region, and one of the most noteworthy is the Anantara Tangalle Peace Haven Resort.
According to the legendary chronicle of Sri Lankan history, the Mahavamsa, the Mulkirigala rock temple was built by King Sadhatissa, the monarch of Anuradhapura, during the third century, and the temple was patronized by many successive Kings. Sometime in 400AD a stupa was constructed by King Datusena and the temple was further developed in the 18th century by King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe. The temple consists of seven Viharas and Buddha statues of varying sizes. There are various paintings that adorn the walls of the temple, depicting a variety of images that are drawn in the traditional style of ancient Sri Lankan artwork. Perhaps the most important feature of the temple is the Bodhiya tree located in the Upper Vihara Compound, a tree that is thought to be a product of one of the thirty two saplings of the legendary Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree of Anuradhapura.
So take your chance to witness history, culture and traditional art, with a visit to the legendary Mukirigala Rock Temple.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
